Spiritual Formation of the Next Generation

Photo by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash

I have been a leader in youth ministry since I was old enough to be a leader in youth ministry. I have witnessed, participated in, and helped lead many youth events (retreats, conferences, mission trips, and youth group services). It is a great privilege and honor to walk alongside teens as they discover more about God and who God made them be.

Over the past 6-8 months, I have been reflecting with God on how to lead the next generation. One of my deepest longings is to help raise up disciples who are set up well for their adult life. I believe this looks like having a personal relationship with God, knowing how to read the Bible, having a basic understanding of scripture, knowing how to pray, and valuing the Body of Christ. I long for true discipleship in the church family, where the children are raised up in the way they should go so that when they are older they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). How this is lived out looks different in every context. However, there is one thing that we, as those who have walked more miles with Jesus should do: